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Michigan Public Service Commission Orders Review of Consumers Energy's Renewable Energy Plan

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Michigan Public Service Commission has ordered a review of Consumers Energy's renewable energy plan, citing the need for recent or upcoming changes in law and policy. The Commission's decision comes after a contested case hearing, where various groups, including the Michigan Environmental Council, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and the Ecology Center, intervened in the proceedings. The Commission has determined that the record in this matter is stale and has therefore ordered that all issues concerning Consumers Energy's customer-owned solar energy program be addressed in a separate case.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Michigan Public Service Commission has ordered a review of Consumers Energy's renewable energy plan, citing the need for recent or upcoming changes in law and policy.
  • The Commission's decision affects Consumers Energy's proposal to eliminate its renewable energy surcharge and its Experimental Advanced Renewable Energy Program (EARP).
  • The Commission has determined that the record in this matter is stale and has therefore ordered that all issues concerning Consumers Energy's customer-owned solar energy program be addressed in a separate case.
  • The Michigan Environmental Council, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and the Ecology Center intervened in the proceedings.
  • The Commission held a contested case hearing on June 26, 2013, attended by the ALJ Sharon L. Feldman.
  • The Commission Staff participated in the proceedings, alongside the intervenors.
  • The Commission issued a partial final order on June 19, 2014, which approved certain proposals, including a $2.5 million standard offer program for anaerobic digesters.
  • The Commission reserves jurisdiction and may issue further orders as necessary.

Statistics:

  • 10% renewable portfolio standard by 2015, as required by Public Act 295 of 2008.
  • $2.5 million standard offer program for anaerobic digesters, approved by the Commission.
  • $1 million company-owned solar program, approved by the Commission.
  • 2015, the scheduled year for Consumers Energy to comply with the 10% renewable portfolio standard.

Sources:

  • S T A T E O F M I C H I G A N BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, Case No. U-17301, February 12, 2015.
  • Public Act 295 of 2008, MCL 460.1001 et seq.
  • Consumers Energy Company's application to the Michigan Public Service Commission, filed May 28, 2013.

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